2016 News Releases

TOPEKA – (August 26, 2016) – The Kansas attorney general’s office recovered more than $9.8 million in taxpayer funds through its Medicaid fraud enforcement during the recently ended state fiscal year, Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt said today.

Investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against the taxpayers by stealing from the Medicaid program is a priority for our office,” Schmidt said. “Our focus in Medicaid fraud enforcement remains on bringing to justice those who illegally enrich themselves from the public treasury.”

During state fiscal year 2016, which ended June 30, the Medicaid Fraud and Abuse Division of Schmidt’s office recovered more than $9.8 million on behalf of taxpayers. The recoveries were reported in the Division’s annual report to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which was filed Wednesday. The report is available online at http://bit.ly/2bFVyFH .

Since Schmidt took office in 2011, the office has recovered more than $109 million through its Medicaid fraud recovery efforts.

In addition to the financial recoveries, the report also highlights the successful partnerships Schmidt’s office has with state and federal agencies to combat Medicaid fraud and abuse. One example of this is “Operation No-Show,” which is a joint initiative between the attorney general’s office and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. The effort, which began in 2014, focuses on fraud in personal care attendant services. As a result of this successful effort, 11 defendants have been convicted of Medicaid fraud-related crimes, and more than $350,000 in restitution has been ordered to the Kansas Medicaid Program.

Schmidt’s office also has launched an online Medicaid fraud reporting form, which allows Kansas citizens to submit online tips if they believe Medicaid fraud or abuse is occurring. Anyone with information about Medicaid fraud should report it on that form on the attorney general’s website at www.ag.ks.gov or by calling (866) 551-6328.